Is this the end of Steven Gerrard's playing career? LA Galaxy confirm his exit

Steven Gerrard won't return to the LA Galaxy next season, the team confirmed on Tuesday, ending a 17-month run that proved mostly disappointing as his contract is set to expire.

Gerrard, who had 114 caps for England, came to the Galaxy in the middle of the 2015 season -- at age 35 -- as LA tried to build on its 2014 MLS Cup championship momentum.

The midfielder never quite found his form in Major League Soccer. The Galaxy made the playoffs in 2016, but were ousted by the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference semifinals.

Gerrard was plagued by injuries that limited him to 36 appearances, including playoffs in 2015 and 2016. He finished this season with 21 appearances (18 starts), three goals and 11 assists. He managed just 44 minutes in three playoff games.

Against the Timbers, fans will recall he played the full 90 in one of his first MLS appearances in Portland's 5-2 road win in July, 2015. That win was one of the sparks that propelled Portland to MLS Cup Championship that season.

Gerrard is a legend in the Premier League, where he was the longest-serving team captain. In 17 seasons, he featured in more than 700 games and scored 185 goals across all competitions. Representing England, he scored 21 goals in 114 appearances and was team captain in the 2014 World Cup.

But he never won a a title on either side of the Atlantic.

What's next? Gerrard has said he will "be back involved in the game," and according to a report, he is studying for a coaching license. Liverpool lmanager Jurgen Klopp is quoted in that same report as saying Gerrard also is "always so welcome."